Quick play the ball: Brendan McKibbin of the Waratahs. Photo: Getty Images

The Waratahs entered the match minus most of their first-choice side, with 10 players on Wallabies duties and a further seven injured.

But with their finals hopes dangling by a thread, the Waratahs ran in three tries in the opening 25 minutes before displaying a fierce defensive effort for the rest of the match to secure the vital win.